1) A bright finish we never saw coming Before kick off, three points seemed unlikely. At half time, they looked impossible. Another thrashing looked a distinct possibility, while at the other end it had seemed as if the next man … Continue reading →

1) This is getting embarrassing now When you go into a game actively expecting to lose 4-0, something is badly wrong. At the end of a week when the world lost Prince, Stoke partied not like it was 1999, but … Continue reading →

1) Charity begins with Stoke Fairytale story threatened by a reality check? Does it look like the wheels are in danger of coming off? Star striker not scored for a while? Star winger becoming more renowned for missing penalties than … Continue reading →

1) A frustrating afternoon In an age when people bang on about the ‘gentrification’ of football (which I think means more families at grounds and less stabbings, boooo!) it’s good to know we still have at least one genuine rivalry … Continue reading →

1) Only darkness at the Stadium of Light Same old, same old. The usual non-performance, the usual outcome on the usual dreary day (we never seem to get this trip in spring do we?), Saturday once again demonstrated that the … Continue reading →

And lo, this summer’s new boys section did kick off not with a new boy, but with a familiar face. Stoke City’s first signing of the transfer window was somebody we’ve already had six months to get acquainted with, as … Continue reading →